Exploring the Tunnel of Love

Sep. 19, 2013

Photo Taken By John Couston

Written by

John Coulston

Staff Writer

MTSU students had the opportunity to learn about the risks of sexually transmitted infections at the annual “Tunnel of Love” educational fair held on September 19 in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.

The event, which was co-sponsored by MTSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance, Student Health Services, and Nashville CARES, sought to educate the students on sexually transmitted infections, the risks of sexual activity, and how to practice safer sex.

“There’s no such thing as safe sex, but there’s definitely safer sex,” Cassie Higginbotham from the Department of Health and Human Performance said. “So if [the students] want to use condoms or be abstinent, we just want everybody to know all their choices and the potential consequences.”

The event featured educational displays about various STIs, displays contrasting myths and facts about sexual activity, educational games, such as the “Condom Olympics” that showed students the proper way to put on condoms, and informational booths by local organizations including Planned Parenthood, the Pregnancy Support Center of Murfreesboro, AGAPE and more.

The sponsors of the “Tunnel of Love” were pleased with this year’s attendance and reception.

“Our turnout [was] wonderful this year. We have lots of community agencies who participated and we’re just appreciative that the community is involved in educating our students,” Higginbottom said.